The Junior Researchers in Industry, Nonprofit, and Government (JRING) Forum is an official subdivision of INFORMS, the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
We are a growing community of early-career researchers and professionals working outside academia who share a passion for operations research, management science, and analytics. JRING provides a welcoming space to connect, learn, and grow together.
Our Mission
- Build Community – Connect junior researchers across industries, nonprofits, and government agencies.
- Foster Professional Growth – Provide training, mentorship, and events tailored to non-academic career paths.
- Encourage Collaboration – Share knowledge, best practices, and real-world applications of operations research and analytics.
- Advocate for Members – Represent the perspectives of junior researchers to INFORMS leadership.
- Promote Inclusion – Ensure JRING is diverse, equitable, and accessible to all members.
What We Do
- Host networking events at the INFORMS Annual Meeting and beyond.
- Organize seminars, panels, and workshops on industry-focused research and career development.
- Maintain a vibrant online community for discussion, collaboration, and peer support.
- Highlight opportunities, trends, and innovative applications of operations research in practice.
Who Should Join?
JRING is open to:
- Early-career professionals and researchers in industry, nonprofit, and government.
- Graduate students and postdocs considering careers outside academia.
- Anyone in the broader OR/MS community who wants to support or engage with junior researchers in applied settings.
Get Involved
Joining JRING is simple:
- If you’re an INFORMS member, add JRING to your membership.
- Non-INFORMS members can also join with a slightly higher forum fee.
- Participate in events, nominate officers, and help shape the future of our community!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn to stay updated and network with peers.
🙋 Interested in volunteering? Reach out to any of our officers — we always welcome new ideas and energy to grow JRING together!
📖 Learn more in our full Bylaws.